The holiday season is coming to the Arkansas River Valley tonight on a float in the Russellville Christmas parade that makes it way through the streets of downtown.

The parade kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at 10th Street and Arkansas Avenue near the Sears store and heads north on the highway before turning left onto Main Street. The parade ends at El Paso Street.

The theme for this year’s parade is “A Storybook Christmas.”

There will also be the annual Christmas tree lighting at 6 p.m. at the corner of Boulder and West Main streets.

The Russellville Police Department urges residents to have the safest of holiday seasons. To ensure good communication, RPD would like to ask for your cooperation in certain matters, so that our community has a safe holiday season. RPD Capt. Charlie Falwell released the following information to city residents:

— “One area of concern is solicitation: In July of 2003, the city council passed an ordinance that prohibits solicitation on public right-of-ways without a permit. The Russellville Police, along with the city’s Code Enforcement Officer, will be enforcing this ordinance anywhere unlawful solicitations occur within the city of Russellville. One of the areas this affects is the Christmas parade, when local vendors want to sell their goods. The ordinance does not allow selling of goods after dark, even if you have a permit. This will ensure that the merchants in our city are protected and that the individual citizen is not scammed.

— “Another concern each year is why the city doesn’’t allow candy to be thrown from floats during parades.

The answer is to minimize risk. On more than one occasion, we’ve personally witnessed and had to pull a child from being run over while trying to retrieve candy that was not thrown clear of a moving float. The drivers of the floats have restrictive vision and cannot see or stop quickly enough to avoid the chances of hurting someone in this situation.

“Crowd supervision is difficult with all the excitement, and a child who sees an opportunity to get a piece of candy will break free from a parent to obtain the much-wanted treat. In trying to ensure that no one is hurt, we have asked that if your float entry wants to give away items, please have individuals walk beside the float and hand out the candy or items you want distributed.

— “Help us to minimize the risk of you becoming a victim. Since Nov. 1, we have had 63 breaking and entering complaints called into the police department. Many of those complaints are thieves breaking into vehicles to steal your belongings. Make sure your vehicle is locked and you don’t leave temptations in view of thieves. Money in plain view, electronic items, and presents wrapped or unwrapped are just open invitations for someone to knock out the window of your vehicle and steal your belongings.

— “To minimize your personal risk, please carry money in your front pocket, and only carry small amounts. Don’t broadcast your plans to others, whether it be through social media outlets or in open conversation. Criminals might use that opportunity to make you the victim of a crime. Shop with a friend and be aware of your surroundings. You being safe is important to us; however, remember your safety starts with you.

“The Russellville Police Department has developed some strategic enforcement scheduling to increase law enforcement personnel where demand is greatest. If you see suspicious activity in your area, contact the Pope County Dispatch through your 911 call center and report the activity so our officers can investigate and stop any criminal activity. Our community can be safe if we partner together, and we get our wish of a safe Holiday season.”